assist electricity distributors in managing their electricity networks more efficiently, which means lower costs in the long run; and

provide opportunities for new products and services for your homes and businesses.

How are the costs of the smart meter being recovered?

In the same way you pay for your current meter and electricity infrastructure (electricity poles and wires), the costs of the smart metering system will be recovered through your electricity bill over a number of years. The costs and charges are regulated by the independent Australian Energy Regulator, which is responsible for making sure that distribution business charges are fair and reasonable. The charges form part of electricity bills from 1 January 2010.

Do I have to have a smart meter?

Yes. In order to improve our electricity delivery and management the Victorian State Government has mandated that all residential and small business electricity customers have a smart meter installed by the end of 2013.

Ensuring the universal application of smart meter technology will allow the development of smarter electricity supply infrastructure on a state wide basis. This will help customers better manage their energy use and broaden the community’s ability to respond to climate change.

Do I own the smart meter?

What are the timeframes involved in the rollout?

Installing the new smart meters in every Victorian household and small business will take place between September 2009 and the end of 2013.

How will I know if my meter's been replaced with a new smart meter?

Your electricity distribution company will be in touch by mail to let you know that your property is scheduled for a smart meter installation. On the day that the smart meter installation takes place, the qualified meter installer appointed by your electricity distribution business will knock on your door to inform you that the installation is about to occur. In normal circumstances there is no need for you to be present so, if you are not home, the installation will still go ahead.

Once the meter installation is complete, the installer will leave information at your premises to advise you that the meter installation has been completed and will also leave information on how to read your new smart meter.

Will smart meters allow me to feed power from rooftop solar panels into the grid and access feed-in tariffs?

Yes. Smart meters are designed to be compatible with rooftop solar panels. They will be able to regularly measure the power sent to the electricity grid from rooftop solar panels and other forms of small scale renewable generation that may be eligible for a feed in tariff.

If you have had a smart meter installed, and it has not been enabled to measure the power being sent to the grid, you should contact your electricity distribution company (which is the company installing your meter) to determine whether the smart meter installed has bidirectional capabilities activated.

I have already installed a bi-directional/interval meter for my solar panels will I still need a smart meter?

Yes. Other meters (including 'Bi-directional/Interval meters') are not ‘smart meters'.

Interval and smart meters both measure the imports from and exports to the State’s electricity grid on a half-hourly basis. Both are feed-in tariff friendly. However, smart meters have more advanced capabilities: they can be monitored remotely and include additional functionalities that will make it easier to connect and disconnect power when you move house.

Installation

What is interval data?

Interval data is the information that is collected by your smart meter that outlines your consumption of electricity at 30 minute intervals. This detailed data does not appear on your bill as it is too much information to fit.

How do I request interval data?

We'll forward the data to you either by email or Australia Post in 10 business days from your request. You'll receive a PDF or spreadsheet (depending on your request) with details of your usage. Graphs are available too.

Interval data can help you find out when you are using the most energy, which would allow you to attempt to cut your energy usage during peak times.

Where can I get more information on the Victorian Government’s smart meter initiative?